Menopause After Cancer

“It can be hard to distinguish between
‘normal’ menopausal symptoms and
symptoms caused by the cancer”.1

Umbrella

What may the Menopause After Cancer Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Cancer Treatments
  • Chemo Brain
  • Menopause
  • Menopause Symptoms

Cancers

What cancers may result in  treatments in menopause?

In What Causes Menopause? Menopause Due To Cancer Treatment the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (JH) explain:

“Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women; therefore, much of the information and research about cancer and menopause relates to breast cancer. But treatment for other cancers (including childhood cancers, non-hormonal cancers and hormonal cancers) can also result in menopause”.2

Cancer Treatments

Will all cancer treatments cause menopause?

In What Causes Menopause? Menopause Due To Cancer Treatment the JH elaborate on:

“Not all cancer treatments will cause menopause. Depending on the treatment, menopausal symptoms may be temporary or permanent. Other factors may influence permanent menopause, such as your age and the type of chemotherapy undertaken”.3

Menopause Symptoms

With cancer, can it be hard to distinguish what’s-what with menopausal symptoms?

The JH explain:

“It can be hard to distinguish between ‘normal’ menopausal symptoms and symptoms caused by the cancer”.4

Menopause Severe Symptoms

Can menopause symptoms be severe?

According to the JH:

“Menopause can happen because of cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy. These treatments can cause your ovaries to stop working. The sudden change in hormones, particularly oestrogen and testosterone, may lead to more severe symptoms”.5

Chemo Brain

What is chemo brain?

DotS the definition of chemo brain may vary. The (United States) Mayo Clinic’s definition is:

“Chemo brain is a common term used by cancer survivors to describe thinking and memory problems that can occur during and after cancer treatment. Chemo brain can also be called chemo fog, cancer-related cognitive impairment or cognitive dysfunction”.6

In Chemo Brain: Symptoms & Causes – Overview the Mayo Clinic also note:

“Though chemo brain is a widely used term, the causes of concentration and memory problems aren’t well-understood. It’s likely that there are multiple causes”.7

HRT and Breast Cancer Survivors

Is systemic HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) recommended for the treatment of menopause symptoms in those with a history of breast cancer?

On page three in the Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause, first published online 10 June 2022, one of the recommendations is:

  • “A history of breast cancer should be considered a contraindication to systemic HRT. The risk of breast cancer recurrence with HRT is higher in women with oestrogen receptor positive cancer, but women with oestrogen receptor negative breast cancer are also considered to have an increased risk of recurrence with HRT. HRT may, in exceptional cases, be offered to women with breast cancer with severe menopausal symptoms if lifestyle modifications and non-hormonal treatment options are not effective. This should be done after discussion with the woman, her menopause specialist and her breast/oncology team”.8

Health Care Provider

What if I would like help with menopause after cancer?

If you would like help with menopause after cancer, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this. Together you can discuss your options and if required agree on who may be the most appropriate health care provider to help you.

In What Causes Menopause? Menopause Due To Cancer Treatment: Reactions To Menopause After A Cancer Diagnosis the JH explain:

“If you go through menopause and cancer at the same time, it can be very distressing. It is normal to experience a sense of sadness and loss of control.

It’s important to talk to someone if you feel emotional, anxious or depressed. Your doctor can help with symptom relief and refer you to a psychologist if needed”.9

In Menopausal Symptoms and Cancer Treatment: Who Can I Talk To About My Menopausal Symptoms the (United Kingdom) Cancer Research UK also note:

“It can be hard to know whether your symptoms are due to your cancer and its treatment. Or whether they relate to the menopause. It might help to keep a diary or make a list of your symptoms. You can discuss these with your:

  • Cancer doctor
  • Clinical nurse specialist
  • GP
  • General practice nurse

You can ask your GP surgery if there is a GP that specialises in the menopause. In some situations, your GP may refer you to a specialist menopause clinic or a gynaecologist”.10

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Menopause After Cancer?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Menopause After Cancer?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

New or Updated

  1. ACOG Explains: Managing Menopause Symptoms [American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists]
  2. About Cancer
  3. About Cancer
  4. BMS TV: Post Cancer Treatments
  5. Bioidentical Hormones: Are They Safer?
  6. Breastcancer.org [Breast Cancer, United States]
  7. Build Better Bones.org [International Osteoporosis Foundation]
  8. Menopause After CancerCancer Fatigue: Why It Occurs and How To Cope
  9. Cancer Treatment – Early Menopause
  10. Cancer and ‘Crash’ Menopause
  11. Cancer and Women
  12. Chemo Brain: Diagnosis & Treatment
  13. Chemotherapy: Cancer and Hair Loss
  14. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for Menopausal Symptoms
  15. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2023 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Changes In Sexual Health After Cancer
  16. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2023 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – NAMS 2023 Nonhormone Therapies Position Statement for Bothersome Menopause Symptoms
  17. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2023 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – New FDA-Approved Nonhormone Option for the Treatment of Hot Flashes
  18. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2023 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Premature and Early Menopause
  19. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2024 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Menopause
  20. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2024 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Preparing for Your Menopause Health Care Visit
  21. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2025 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Nutrition At Menopause and Why It Is Important
  22. Early Menopause Due To Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy
  23. Earlymenopause.org.nz [New Zealand Early Menopause Support Group]
  24. Emotional Wellness In Menopause
  25. Foundation for Women’s Cancer [United States]
  26. HRT Questions Answered
  27. Healthy Living After Cancer
  28. Heart Health After Menopause
  29. Hormonal Therapy for Breast Cancer
  30. Hormone Therapy: Is It Right for You?
  31. Hot Flashes: What Can I Do? [+ Video: What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Menopause?]
  32. Hot Flushes, Night Sweats, Brain Fog? Here’s What We Know About Phytoestrogens for Menopausal Symptoms
  33. How Cancer Can Affect Sex and Intimacy
  34. How Cancer Surgery Can Affect Sex for Women
  35. How To Talk To Your Doctor About Menopause
    Menopause After Cancer
  36. How To Talk To Your Doctor About Midlife Brain Fog
  37. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Early and Premature Menopause [Other Languages and Formats]
  38. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Supporting Someone Through the Menopause [+ Video: Men Don’t Need To Know About Menopause] [Other Languages and Formats]
  39. Managing Hot Flashes Naturally
  40. Managing Menopause After Cancer
  41. Managing Menopause After Cancer
  42. Mayo Clinic Minute: Help With Hot Flashes Due To Menopause [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  43. Mayo Clinic Q&A Podcast: Cancer Survivorship Needs Are Unique for Each Survivor [+ Video]
  44. Menopausal Mood Swings, Grieving and Depression
  45. Menopausal Symptoms and Cancer Treatment
  46. Menopause
    Menopause After Cancer
  47. Menopause Care After Breast Cancer | Dr Louise Newson
  48. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Menopause Medication Tracker
  49. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
    Menopause After Cancer
  50. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Relaxation Techniques
  51. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Symptom Tracker
  52. Menopause Symptoms: Hot Flashes
  53. Menopause Symptoms: Mayo Clinic Expert Outlines Hormone and Nonhormonal Therapies
  54. Menopause Treatment Options After Cancer
  55. Menopause Treatments: What Works, What Doesn’t
  56. Menopause and Breast Cancer
  57. Menopause and Menopausal Symptoms
  58. Menopause and Natural Therapies
  59. Menopauseandcancer.org [Menopause and Cancer]
  60. Menopause: Identification and Management [NICE Guideline Published: 12 November 2015 Last Updated: 07 November 2024]
    Menopause After Cancer
  61. Menopause: Identification and Management: NICE Guideline [NG23] [07 November 2024]
  62. Menopause: Things You Can Do
  63. Menopause: Understanding the Changes and Finding Relief | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 256
  64. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
  65. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  66. National LGBT Cancer Network
  67. Natural Remedies for Hot Flashes (Without Hormones)
  68. Natural Therapies
  69. Navigating Menopause: Honest Answers To All Your Questions [+ Video: What To Expect in Menopause]
  70. Nonhormone Treatments for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
  71. Ovarian Cancer/Primary Peritoneal
  72. Pathtogoodbonehealth.org [Your Path To Good Bone Health, Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation, United States]
  73. Post-Menopausal Health Concerns
  74. Sexuality & Cancer
  75. Supporting A Loved One Through Menopause
  76. Symptoms of Menopause
  77. The Menopause Society Statement on Misinformation Surrounding Hormone Therapy
    Menopause
  78. The Truth About Menopause Supplements | Dr Sarah Berry
  79. The Women’s Health Initiative Trials: Clinical Messages
  80. Tips To Help Manage Menopause Symptoms
  81. Updated 2024 NICE Menopause Guidance Summary
  82. Using HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy)
  83. Using Natural Therapies In the Menopause Transition – Webinar
  84. Uterine/Endometrial Cancer/GTD
  85. Vaginal Dryness
  86. Video Resource: Menopause and Health Living – What Is Early Menopause? [Multiple Languages]
  87. Video & Podcast Library: Videos – World Menopause Day 2024: Menopause and Hormone Therapy: Current Perspectives and Controversies
  88. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – How Do I Deal With the Menopause After A Diagnosis of Gynaecological Cancer
  89. Videos & Podcasts: Videos – Menopause and Hormone Therapy: Current Perspectives and Controversies
  90. Videos & Podcasts: Videos – Preventing Bone Loss At Menopause
  91. Webinars: Previous – IMS & ISE Symposium: What’s Hot? Options for Treatment of Hot Flushes 2025
  92. Webinars: Previous – Non-Hormonal Pharmacological Interventions For VMS
  93. Webinars: Previous – Non-Pharmacological Interventions For VMS
  94. Webinars: Previous – Sexual Dysfunctions, Update on Gynae Cancers and Management
  95. What Causes Menopause? Menopause Due To Cancer Treatment
  96. What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
  97. Why Does Menopause Happen Early In Some Women
  98. World Menopause Day 2024: Leaflet for Women – Menopause and Menopause Hormone Therapy [Multiply Languages]
  99. World Menopause Day 2024: Poster for Women – The 5 Ws of Menopause Hormone Therapy (MHT)
  100. Worldcancerday.org [World Cancer Day, 04 February 2025]

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. What Causes Menopause? Menopause Due To Cancer Treatment: Menopausal Symptoms Related To Cancer Treatment. Last Updated: 25 September 2024 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/causes-of-menopause#menopause-due-to-cancer-treatment Accessed: 04 February 2025
  2. What Causes Menopause? Menopause Due To Cancer Treatment. Last Updated: 25 September 2024 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/causes-of-menopause#menopause-due-to-cancer-treatment Accessed: 04 February 2025
  3. What Causes Menopause? Menopause Due To Cancer Treatment. Last Updated: 25 September 2024 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/causes-of-menopause#menopause-due-to-cancer-treatment Accessed: 04 February 2025
  4. What Causes Menopause? Menopause Due To Cancer Treatment: Menopausal Symptoms Related To Cancer Treatment. Last Updated: 25 September 2024 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/causes-of-menopause#menopause-due-to-cancer-treatment Accessed: 04 February 2025
  5. What Causes Menopause? Menopause Due To Cancer Treatment. Last Updated:  25 September 2024| Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/causes-of-menopause#menopause-due-to-cancer-treatment Accessed: 04 February 2025
  6. Chemo Brain: Symptoms & Causes – Overview. 09 February 2023. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chemo-brain/symptoms-causes/syc-20351060 Accessed: 04 February 2025
  7. Chemo Brain: Symptoms & Causes – Overview. 09 February 2023. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chemo-brain/symptoms-causes/syc-20351060 Accessed: 04 February 2025
  8. Hamoda, H., Mukherjee, A., Morris, E., Baldeweg, S. E., Jayasena, C. N., Briggs, P., Moger, S. Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause. First Published Online 10 June 2022:3-4. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/20533691221104879 Accessed: 04 February 2025
  9. What Causes Menopause? Menopause Due To Cancer Treatment: Reactions To Menopause After A Cancer Diagnosis. Last Updated: 25 September 2024 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/causes-of-menopause#menopause-due-to-cancer-treatment Accessed: 04 February 2025
  10. Menopausal Symptoms and Cancer Treatment: Who Can I Talk To About My Menopausal Symptoms. Last Updated: 04 October 2024. Cancer Research UK https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/coping/physically/sex/women/menopausal-symptoms Accessed: 05 February 2025
Topic Last Updated: 04 May 2025 – Topic Last Reviewed: 04 February 2025

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